Explore Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram: A Day Trip from Chennai!
Description
Begin your adventure in Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient temples and vibrant silk weaving tradition. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, celebrated for its exquisite stone carvings and stunning architectural design, and the Ekambareswarar Temple.While in Kanchipuram, don’t miss the opportunity to shop for the city’s iconic handwoven silk sarees, a testament to its rich textile heritage. After immersing yourself in Kanchipuram's cultural wonders, head to Mahabalipuram, a short drive away along the scenic coastal road. Here, marvel at the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate carvings and breathtaking views of the sea. Explore the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic rock-cut temples designed in the shape of chariots, each showcasing unique architectural styles. Also, be sure to see Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world, depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Tour Orientation
Ekambareswarar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Ekambaranathar, it features stunning Dravidian architecture, with a towering gopuram (gateway) and intricate sculptures. The temple is renowned for its sacred mango tree, believed to be over 3,500 years old, and it holds great significance in Shaivite worship. It's a key pilgrimage site, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
Kailasanathar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the earliest examples of Dravidian architecture, dating back to the 8th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is notable for its stunning intricate carvings and serene ambiance. The temple complex features a series of small shrines, a unique sandstone structure, and beautiful sculptures depicting various deities and mythological scenes. It is often praised for its architectural brilliance and is a significant pilgrimage site for Shaivite worshippers.
Huddled together at the southern end of Mamallapuram, the Five Rathas were, astonishingly, all carved from single large rocks. Each of these fine 7th-century temples was dedicated to a Hindu god and is now named after one or more of the Pandavas, the five hero-brothers of the epic Mahabharata, or their common wife, Draupadi. The rathas were hidden in the sand until excavated by the British 200 years ago. Ratha is Sanskrit for 'chariot', and may refer to the temples' form or to their function as vehicles for the gods. It's thought they didn't originally serve as places of worship, but as architectural models.
We also visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved.
The next halt is at Krishna’s Butterball, a curious sight of a 5 meters diameter ball shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and defies Newton’s laws of gravity!
Standing like a magnificent fist of rock-cut elegance overlooking the sea, surrounded by gardens and ruined courts, the two-towered Shore Temple symbolises the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of the Pallava kings. Its small size belies its excellent proportion and the supreme quality of the carvings, many now eroded into vaguely Impressionist embellishments. Built under Narasimhavarman II in the 8th century, it's the earliest significant free-standing stone temple in Tamil Nadu.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(11)
Tour was great. Driver Samynathan was very good and both guides were very knowledgeable about sites and had great stories
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Our guide Nanda and Basha had done fantastic job.Morning we visited Kanchipuram and later to Mahabalipuram.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Awesome tour with our guide rajesh.He is very friendly.Both Mahabalipuram and kanchipuram have lots of temples and cultural values.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Its a perfect tour for history, architecture and heritage enthusiasts.Both guides done the great job.We visited important temples and silk weaving!!
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Our guide Rajesh and Basha was brilliant and friendly.Seeing both places with lots of information from our guide.He explained about Chennai history also.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
We visited Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram with our guide rajesh and local guide.Both did the fantastic job.We loved the lunch at local South Indian restaurant.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
The wonderful tour with our guide Rajesh.He is so friendly and he explained about history and culture of the both places.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
Wonderful tour with our guide Nanda.He is so friendly and explained the highlights of the places.He arranged lunch in local restaurant that was great!
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
I joined the Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour on January 27. Tour Guide Rajesh and driver Madhan were very polite and friendly. Rajesh is very familiar with the attractions and gave a very detailed introduction. Thank you so much🥳
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
It was an awesome time with our guide Rajesh.we walkthrough the history of the local monuments and temples in Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram.Fantastic lunch in middle of the tour.
Hi We are happy that you enjoyed your Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram tour. It was our pleasure to hosting you. We are doing Multi-day tours in North and South India.We are waiting to do more tours with you and it definitely gives you a Wonderful experience. Cheers, The Wonder tours
